My first solo hike is officially in the books. 🌿
I'll be honest, I almost didn't go.
The plan was to wake up at 6 a.m., get an early start, and hit the trail before it got busy. That didn't happen. I slept in, started second-guessing myself, and considered staying home. But instead, I got ready, put on my new hiking pants (which I was way too excited about), and went anyway.
Those pants were a game changer, by the way. They were lightweight, breathable, and kept me from feeling every leaf and branch brushing against my legs. If you're someone who gets itchy and convinced bugs are crawling on you every five seconds, you understand.
The first challenge came before I even started hiking: parking. The lot was packed and had very limited spaces. Thankfully, technology came through. A quick Google search led me to another nearby parking area with plenty of spots.
Once I hit the trail, it was straight uphill—rocky, steep, and definitely a workout. My legs and knees felt it immediately. But the trail was beautiful. Tall trees provided plenty of shade, and even on a sunny day, it stayed surprisingly comfortable.
One thing that stood out was how friendly everyone was. Hikers smiled, said hello, and one family even let me take their picture at the overlook. There was something reassuring about being out there alone but not really feeling alone.
When I finally reached the viewpoint, it was worth every step. The view was absolutely gorgeous.
My only mistake? Drinking coffee before the hike and not using the restroom beforehand. Halfway through, I was desperately looking for a bathroom that didn't exist. Learn from me: stop at a gas station before you start.
I ended up doing about three miles. I had hoped to do more, but I also gave myself grace. The goal wasn't to hike the farthest or the fastest. The goal was simply to go.
And I did.
If you've been thinking about taking a solo hike, trying a new class, traveling somewhere new, or doing anything that feels a little scary, just do it.
As Nike says, "Just do it."
No dejes que el miedo te impida hacer las cosas que te gustan. Sometimes confidence comes after you take the first step, not before.
